Salt Pond Beach Park

Salt Pond Beach Park is one of Kaua'i's best family beaches - and even better because it remains untouristy. Beyond the long stretch of sand, the water in the cove reaches up to 10ft deep and works well for swimming laps (four times across equals 0.5 miles) and also for windsurfing. Both ends of the cove are shallow and good for kids. Along with a lifeguard, amenities include picnic tables, barbecue grills, showers and campsites.

The park is named for its famous salt ponds toward the east, where Hawaiians have traditionally made rock salt from seawater. Often, this alae salt is tinted red from adding a bit of Kaua'i's ubiquitous iron-rich earth.

To get here, turn left just past the 17-mile marker, onto Lele Rd, then right onto Lokokai Rd.